This November CUB is hitting the road to help consumers better understand how to save money on utility bills and how people can make their voices heard. From community solar to data centers to a Lobby Day in Springfield, here are some examples of events we’re staffing this month. All events are free and open to the public.
6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 3, Forest Park – Data Centers & Utility Costs (in-person)
Join CUB at the Forest Park Public Library (7555 Jackson Blvd., Forest Park, IL 60130) for a discussion on how data centers are driving up our energy costs. Get money-saving tips and information on programs that can help reduce your utility bills, and learn how you can advocate for cleaner, more affordable energy. Please register in advance for this event.
5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 4, Crystal Lake – Community Solar Presentation (in-person)
Join CUB for a presentation on community solar at Duke’s Alehouse and Kitchen (110 N. Main St., Crystal Lake, IL 60014). This program allows renters, homeowners, and small businesses to enjoy the benefits of solar power–lower bills–without having to install panels on their property. A CUB expert will explain how community solar works and provide tips on finding the offer that’s right for you.
11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 5, Libertyville – Senior Resource Fair (in-person)
Join CUB at a Senior Resource Fair hosted by the offices of state Rep. Laura Faver Dias and state Sen. Mary Edly-Allen at the Libertyville Civic Center (135 Church St., Libertyville, IL 60048). Stop by CUB’s table to get information on state bill-assistance programs, tips to save energy this winter, and warnings about alternative supplier scams.
2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m., Friday, Nov. 6, Chicago – El Valor Community Resource Fair (in-person)
CUB is joining El Valor’s Community Resource Fair (Cicero Children & Family Center, 5310 W. 24th Pl., Cicero, IL 60804) to share bilingual information on lowering your energy bills, finding bill assistance, and protecting yourself from deceptive energy sales pitches. Visit our table with questions about your bills. (¡Visita la mesa de CUB en la Feria de Recursos Comunitarios de El Valor!)
All day, Wednesday, Nov. 18, Springfield – POWER Act Lobby Day
CUB and other advocates will travel to the State Capitol in Springfield for POWER Act Lobby Day during the General Assembly’s Fall Veto Session. We will be advocating for the Illinois General Assembly to pass the POWER Act, comprehensive reform legislation to protect consumers from paying higher electric bills to cover costs that Big Tech data centers should be paying themselves. There will be opportunities to speak with legislators and to participate in a rally. Please register in advance for POWER Act Lobby Day (transportation will be provided). (Also: Read CUB’s fact sheet and take action for the POWER Act.)
CUB staffers are available to speak at community centers, senior centers, libraries, and to other organizations about utility issues. Learn more about requesting a CUB speaker.
